21 Suggestions for Working Ecumenically in 
Church of England Parishes

1.	UNDERTAKE an ecumenical audit of your locality: who and where are your partners? Can you identify local needs? Are you already working to meet them together or separately? What does it mean to be the people of God in this place?

2.	PRAY for neighbouring churches of other denominations, their local ministers, and Church Leaders (such as District Chairman, Provincial Moderator, Area Superintendent or Bishop) by name.

3.	WORK towards a common programme of catechesis – for parents and godparents of children being baptised or dedicated and for young people and adults preparing for baptism and confirmation. Such a common programme could include some shared work, and some particular to different traditions.

4.	MAP OUT the resources you all have and live generously with one another: can you train another church’s Sunday School teachers, for example, while they help you with financial expertise?

5.	PARTICIPATE in each other’s normal patterns of worship or meetings, and avoid adding another layer of joint services or events. You may need to adjust the parish routine to develop your ecumenical partnership.

6.	PLAN TOGETHER for new church or community programmes, deciding with the others if one church should take the lead, or if all should participate.

7.	LIAISE with other churches at the first stage of any new proposal. Avoid fixing your dates and plans and then later inviting other churches to share.

8.	PROVIDE time on the agenda of PCC or committee meetings for news of other churches: report your news and plans to your partners.

9.	NOMINATE particular people in the parish to maintain two-way communication with neighbouring churches.

10.	AFFIRM members of other churches in the congregation by asking them to read scripture or prayer (Canon B43.1 (1), (b), (d)).

11.	INVITE lay or ordained ministers of other churches to participate in parish worship and share their own traditions (Canon B43.1 (1)(a) – (f), B43.9): plan a regular programme of pulpit exchanges.

12.	If your church is the only place of worship in your community, explore the possibility of making the Ecumenical Declaration of Welcome and Commitment. 

13.	ACCEPT invitations to take part in the worship of other churches. (Canon B43.3, ordained; B43.6, lay.

14.	INFORM MEMBERS OF OTHER CHURCHES that they may also declare themselves to be members of the Church of England and be entered on the ELECTORAL ROLL. (Church Representation Rule 1. (2) (a), (b), (c)).

15.	WELCOME COMMUNICANTS from other churches to receive Holy Communion, whether or not they declare themselves also to be members of the Church of England, and announce this welcome at all communion services (Canon B15.A. 1(b); Church Representation Rule 54 1 (b)).

16.	MAKE SURE that those on the Electoral Roll, who are ‘actual communicants’ and also members of another Church, know that they may be elected to the PCC or the Deanery Synod. (Church Representation Rule 10 (1) (a), (b); to the Diocesan Synod. Rule 31 (1), (3); or to the General Synod. Rule 37 (1) (a), (b), (c)).

17.	AND THAT members of the Deanery Synod who are also members of another Church realise that they are electors for both the Diocesan Synod (Church Representation Rule 31 (1); the General Synod Rule 35 (1), (3)).

18.	INFORM those on the Electoral Roll who are ‘actual communicants’ and also members of another church that they may be appointed Churchwarden by the Annual Meeting of Parishioners. (Churchwardens (Appointment and Resignation) Measure 1964)

19.	ASK your Diocesan Ecumenical Officer about the opportunities, under Canon B44, for entering into Covenanted Partnership or other kind of Local Ecumenical Partnership.

20.	REMEMBER that your Diocesan Ecumenical Officer is there to help you think creatively about the way forward; to interpret the Church of England’s Rules and Canons; and to advise on links with your County or Metropolitan Intermediate Body.

21.	EAT TOGETHER! The best ecumenists are friends.